Creating With Purpose: Alumni Inspire the Next Generation of Theatre and Dance Students

A group of eight theatre and dance alumni gathered in the Dance Center on October 3 to offer advice and insights to current students. A group of eight theatre and dance alumni gathered in the Dance Center on October 3 to offer advice and insights to current students.
Left to right: Jimmy Noriega, PhD, director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Alex Rhyan ’15, Kaiser Ahmed ’08Left to right: Jimmy Noriega, PhD, director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Alex Rhyan ’15, Kaiser Ahmed ’08
Audrey Kleine (left) and Lip Lewis. Audrey Kleine '17 (left) and Lip Lewis '14.
Michaela Petro ’03 talks to the group. Michaela Petro ’03 talks to the group.
Columbia’s theatre and dance alumni shared stories of resilience, artistry, and activism with the next generation of creative professionals.

At the October 3 event, “The Alumni Perspective: From Student to Now!,” eight graduates of Columbia’s School of Theatre and Dance returned to campus to share their journeys—from discovering their voices as students to building careers that blend artistry and advocacy.  

The program opened with a preview of “One Battle After Another,” the new Paul Thomas Anderson film featuring Columbia Musical Theatre alum Chase Infiniti ’22, followed by a screening of Columbia’s exclusive interview with the rising actor about her path to a major motion picture.  

Moderated by Jimmy Noriega, PhD, as part of THEA-105’s career-focused programming, The panel included Kaiser Ahmed ’08, Paul Deziel ’14, Audrey Kleine ’17, Phillip “Lip” Lewis ’14, Michaela Petro ’03, Marvin Quijada ’06, Alex Rhyan ’15, and Vershawn Sanders-Ward ’02. 

Each panelist’s path reflected a unique blend of creativity and resilience. For Sanders Ward, founder and CEO of Red Clay Dance Company, art is inseparable from activism. “Red Clay is about artivism. Our art is our activism. It’s what I use when I’m frustrated, when I’m happy, when I’m confused—it’s how I communicate with others who think differently than myself,” she said. “It’s my weapon, and it’s my purpose.” 

Panelists echoed the idea that a degree in theatre or dance is more than a credential—it’s a foundation for lifelong adaptability. “Art has to become a business,” said Rhyan, co-chair of Columbia's Theatre Advisory Board, former production manager and now a stage hand with IATSE Local 2 “You’re taking something that’s been your hobby and turning it into a career. That means learning to balance work and life and finding new hobbies that keep you grounded.” 

Building Community and Confidence 

Many alumni reflected on the importance of collaboration, bravery, and community—values they first discovered at Columbia. Projection designer Paul Deziel urged students to “soak it up” by experiencing as much art as possible across disciplines. “We pull from visual art, projection art, and so many other forms,” he said. “The more you see, the more you’ll bring back to your own practice.” 

About Face Theatre operations and production manager Audrey Kleine emphasized the power of shared spaces and storytelling: “I work for a queer theatre company, and in a time when our voices are being erased, I get to spend my days in rooms that uplift queer people and create safe spaces. That’s why this work matters.”  

Michaela Petro, now building her own production company, encouraged students to stay grounded in self-awareness. “You will fail more than you succeed—and that is empowering,” she said. “Sit with failure, reflect on it, and then let it go. It’s not a bad thing. Vulnerability is what makes this work beautiful.” 

Redefining Success and Staying Connected 

Throughout the discussion, the alumni emphasized redefining success and maintaining integrity. “Failure is your greatest teacher,” said Lewis. “It helps you understand what really matters and who your art is for.” Sanders Ward added, “Everything isn’t for everybody. Your job is to find who your work is meant for. Those twenty people in the audience? That’s your village. Build from there.” 

The panel also highlighted Columbia’s strong alumni network. As Rhyan noted, “The people sitting next to you today will be your collaborators, your references, your community. We’re all part of the same ecosystem.” 

For current students, the takeaway was clear: creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of navigating the world. As Ahmed put it, “Creativity is your opportunity to do something. The world can feel chaotic, but your art is your sphere of influence. You can make an impact.” 

Meet The Panel  

The event brought together a wide range of creative professionals shaping Chicago’s performing arts scene: 

  • Kaiser Ahmed ’08 (BA, Theatre Directing) — Co-founder and Artistic Director, Jackalope Theatre; director, producer, and educator known for new-work development and community-centered storytelling. 
  • Paul Deziel ’14 (BA, Theatre) — Chicago-based projection designer with credits at Goodman Theatre, The Muny, and The Second City; multiple Jeff Award honors; Center Coordinator at UChicago’s STAGE Center. 
  • Victor Holstein ’04 (BA, Acting) — Actor and producer with stage credits at Steppenwolf and Court Theatre and on-screen work including “Chicago P.D.”; develops independent film and immersive projects. 
  • Audrey Kleine ’17 (BA, Theatre, Stage Management) — Operations and Production Manager at About Face Theatre; stage/production management credits across Chicago storefronts and regionals. 
  • Phillip “Lip” Lewis ’14 (BA, Theatre Directing & Deaf Studies) — Playwright, director, and ASL interpreter; house/audience services leader at Court Theatre; finalist for a new play development series in Chicago. 
  • Michaela Petro ’03 (BA, Theatre Performance) — Actor and producer with ensemble roots in Chicago’s storefront scene; founder of The Darkroom District, developing original, artist-led work. 
  • Marvin “Silent Marvin” Quijada ’06 (BA, Theatre) — Award-winning clown, mime, composer, and writer; creator of the acclaimed silent musical “The Dream King.” 
  • Alex Rhyan ’15 (BA, Technical Theatre, Stage Management) — Stage and production manager; IATSE Local 2 stage technician. 
  • Vershawn Sanders-Ward ’02 (BFA, Dance) — Founding Artistic Director and CEO, Red Clay Dance Company; champions “artivism,” community impact, and access for Black and Brown artists. 

 

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